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Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA is the perfect location for a day out! The street is named after Abbot Kinney, a developer, who in the 1890s built up the area to look like his idea of Venice in America (thanks Wikipedia!). Today, Abbot Kinney Blvd is home to a number of coffee shops, mixed use buildings, art studios, street art, food vendors, and so many shops. It’s a bustling tourist destination with plenty of things to do and people to see. I would definitely take a friend there for a day of photography (as we did) or the girls for a fun day of shopping (pro tip: set a budget, this place can get pricey).

Last month, Karen and I went to the LA Times Festival of Books at USC (all thanks to Karen, I was literally going to sit and watch Netflix that day because the new season of Daredevil is not going to watch itself!) – and it was so much fun! We went last year too and just like last year, I got way too many books. Which is the whole point I realize. Originally, I was going to make a vlog out of our adventure but this is one of those events where you go, listen to the panels and just take it all in. I decided to share the day in a short comic instead – hope you enjoy!

How awesome is Alberta St. in Portland? So awesome! It a place where you can do so many things without burning through all the daylight – especially great if you’re short on time. You can go grab brunch at the Tin Shed, walk a bit to Green Bean Books for books or cute toys and then pick up some sweet patches or happy birthday cards at Darling Distraction around the corner. There’s also Ampersand, a unique art gallery and art book shop all in one! Right next door is Cord, where you really have to watch your wallet if you love traveling or camping. If you don’t have a wallet, you can buy one there – they have it all! While you’re walking on Alberta St., make sure to take a look at all the amazing murals put up by Forest for the Trees (then come back in the summer months to watch them paint more!) Need more art? Stop by the Antler Gallery for prints, artist good, and make sure to check out the gallery display space in the back. All this, plus cozy coffee shops and trendy lunch spots, on one street!

Oh man, Ground Kontrol. Forgive me if I sound like a salesperson, but I can sing praises for this place forever. Love classic arcade games? They have those. Want to relive the glory days of pin ball? You can. Don’t care about games and just want to hang out? They have drinks and a neat hang-out space – check out their website for DJ and upcoming event schedules. Oh by the way, they are expanding, you lucky Portland people.

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more things to do in Portland, read this or this.